Rumour Mill: Celtic in Dublin | Scottish Cup

CELTIC could play another glamour friendly in Dublin this summer, the build-up to this weekend’s Scottish Cup ties continues, and Leigh Griffiths faces yet more criticism, plus more football news in Friday’s Rumour Mill.

Celtic could face Barcelona in Dublin

Celtic's Kris Commons takes on Barcelona's Dani Alves in October's game between the two sides. Picture: Robert Perry

NEIL Lennon’s Celtic side could be set to face Lionel Messi and Barcelona in a glamour friendly at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium this summer.

Reports suggest the Football Association of Ireland are keen for the two sides to meet at the 51,000 capacity stadium in August.

Celtic faced Liverpool in a sold-out Dublin friendly last August, with Amido Balde scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win. (Irish Independent)

Scottish Cup: Bell out for Rangers, McNamara appeal

• RANGERS goalkeeper Cammy Bell has been ruled out of his side’s match with Dundee United after suffering a concussion in midweek training, according to reports.

Steve Simonsen is set to take Bell’s place in goal for the Ibrox clash. (Record/Sun)

• DUNDEE United manager Jackie McNamara is set to appeal a five-match touchline ban, allowing him to take his place in the technical area at Ibrox tomorrow for his team’s semi-final against Rangers. (Scotsman)

• ABERDEEN fans have been warned not to pepper Ibrox with specially-printed stickers - or they might face the bill for removing them. The stickers have been printed as part of an online fans’ campaign. (Sun)

SPFL announce Goal of the Month nominees

NADIR Ciftci, Anthony Stokes, and former Hibs man Rowan Vine are among the nominees for the SPFL Goal of the Month award for March.

FORMER Celtic star Charlie Nicholas has called on Leigh Griffiths to apologise after being filmed allegedly singing offensive songs about former Hearts striker Rudi Skacel.

In his column in the Express, Nicholas said that Griffiths, who was a fan favourite during his spell at Hibernian, needs to “man up and face the music”.

Nicholas added: “I believe Griffiths is going into a dangerous zone - where Derek Riordan went - and there could be no way back for him.” (Express)

Rangers losses top £18m

THE Rangers Football Club Ltd, the company set up by Charles Green as Sevco Scotland when his consortium bought the assets of the Ibrox club, has announced losses of £18.1million in the 13 months up to June 30, 2013.

Rangers International Football Club plc, the parent company of the club, had previously announced losses of £14.4million for the same period. (Scotsman)

Scotland 22nd in new FIFA rankings

GORDON Strachan’s Scotland side have risen to 22nd in the latest world rankings released by FIFA.

Scotland have climbed 47 places in the rankings in the 15 months since Strachan took charge.

The latest rise up the FIFA table makes Scotland the most improved team in the world, according to the rankings. (Various)

Hibs to be without Heffernan for run-in

HIBERNIAN striker Paul Heffernan looks set to miss the rest of the season with a groin injury.

The striker, signed from Kilmarnock last summer, pulled out of Monday’s game with Aberdeen after injuring himself during pre-game warm-ups.

A specialist has reportedly told the 32-year-old that he is unlikely to return this season. (Express)

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